this that and the other (ramblings from a stay at home mom)

Posted on January 17, 2008 by Shanda

On the top bunk

Yesterday’s blog was so FUN that it’s hard to blog today. I guess I will post more photos that we took yesterday.

Today was good. As I type, I can hear the pounding of 10 feet. (5×2=10) I’m not sure what the children are playing, but it sure is exciting, whatever it is. It’s hard to be an energetic kid who can’t exercise as much during the winter. I should have made them go outside but it’s colder out today and somehow I just don’t want to deal with boots that are still wet from falling in the stream yesterday and missing mittens.

Personally, I am feeling much (shall we say) BRIGHTER today and was “mean mommy” during school. Meaning,
“we did every single thing we were supposed to do and then some” for our school day. I floundered during the last few weeks, I’m amazed that we even got through the work while I was sick, but we did. Today felt normal. I felt like my normal self. Yes,–thanks to many of you prayer warriors here on xanga–and my other friends and family who were praying for me.

I was encouraged today because I got some tea in the mail (!!!) as a gift from my friend Christie. “Stash” is the brand name, and she sent a boxed variety and also a box of the creme caramel–which I tried this afternoon–and, it was very good. I loved it, actually. Tea has become Very Important in my life. Good to unwind with.

On the Bottom Bunk

Jacob was very upset today and confessed to me a sin that he committed. Oh my, well, I had to put my head down on the couch so he couldn’t see my face. I read somewhere that a mother shouldn’t laugh at something that her child is upset about. He was absolutely sick about this sin. Apparently, this summer, he had a pair of scissors and he went down to the pond and cut the tails off of two tadpoles. He is now feeling much remorse. Yes, it is sad if you think about it, the poor things were put back in the pond tail-less and probably did not grow properly. We all do dumb things as children, though, right AUNT COLLEEN? Don’t you dare tell everyone what I did to small amphibians when I was Jacob’s age! I told Jacob that everything was going to be okay and asked him to please not be cruel to God’s little creatures anymore. I suggested that he write a letter of apology to the tadpoles. He thought that was “sort of. . foolish.” I was just thinking it would be a good creative writing assignment. He is now out in the living room, humming away, as light hearted as he should be, now that he’s gotten that confession of his chest. He’s so sensitive, wonder where he got THAT from!?!?

Rich should be home soon. I didn’t see him much yesterday, he went straight to church from work and then had a deacon’s meeting and didn’t get home until 11:30 (the middle of the night, IMO). He’s been going off to work in the morning wearing a suit and tie. . . oh, so handsome. . . I just love seeing my husband dressed nice. He’s had to do presentations every day this week in front of about 200 people. I’ve been trying to be extra encouraging to him, partly out of guilt from being so sick and drained after Christmas. Girls, we have to take care of our men if we want them to last! He never said a word but I’m sure my evening “when are you coming home” calls on the phone were getting a little old!

In the Bathtub

I showed him the photos from yesterday and he loved them. He even had me email some of them to him so he could show people at work. . . .

I spent an hour and a half on the couch this afternoon. It was very hard to settle down but I finally did, and read a book that I’m giving Colleen for Christmas! LOL Don’t tell! She’ll understand when she sees it.

In other news, Grace has been training Parker just like he’s a horse. She even rides him when I’m not looking. They run in circles around the living room, with Grace holding his “bridle”. She’s having a wonderful time, although I do wonder what the dog is thinking.

Today Ethan was teaching himself how to play the piano using an old piano book of mine. He was also making up magic rhymes that do things when you say them. Like this one that sends you away at night: “Wolves that howl at the light, you’ll be sent on this scary night.” and, if you want a golden dove, “Doves which perch upon the rail turn into gold all avail” He has a whole list of them. We are all impressed.

Caleb got on the counter where there was an opened can of peaches (Jacob opened it) and ate them all. Also, when he gets into trouble with me, he wants to hug in a desperate sort of way. . .and his hugs are so great! He’s learned to squeeze with those little arms and make it a real hug! I just love it.

David asked me yesterday if I was married. Also, he combined sunscreen, bubble bath, and toothpaste on his race-car track in his room today. I also caught him scooping handfuls of sugar out of the canister and filling a bowl with it. There are hazards to letting your children in the kitchen while you bake. They get inspired.

I don’t have any of that stuff on my eyes today.

That’s about all, folks!

On the dresser

FUN

Posted on January 16, 2008 by Shanda

Alright. So. I put on make up today. Which is very very unusual these days. Joanna suggested bright pink lipstick and sent me a crazy photo of herself wearing some. . .which I can now use as blackmail. I don’t have bright pink ANYTHING, except for the tank I put under the green shirt I have on today. . . .so, that will have to do.

I came out of my room after applying the make-up, and Jacob looked at me and said, “Where are you going?” “No where,” I said.

“You don’t look like Mom with that stuff on your eyes.”

(that was a compliment, he just didn’t know it!)

We took some fun pictures. I got to use my Christmas tripod again. What an awesome tool!

And, you know what? I do feel much happier after doing this!

This was right before Caleb fell off the dresser. Oops.

I’m thinking about this quote that Joanna sent me years ago:

“When she was in her eighties, she told her

husband that the happiest time in her life was spent sitting at the round

kitchen table in their small house with all her children underfoot.” ~M. Stoddard

Even though Jacob is 11, he still has his “blue-blanket” and I love that!

very personal

Posted on January 15, 2008 by Shanda

I had an attack of fear today. . .it came gradually until by the time Rich came home at 5, when I saw him, all I could do was start to cry. My husband, after “all these years”, knows what to say and do to support me during these times. Tonight he gave me a choice. I could go out to dinner with him and the kids. I could stay home alone while he went out to dinner with the kids. Or, I could go to the kitchen with him and we would make dinner together.

I explained to him that I was feeling no desire to spend any more time with the children. I cried and felt terrible when I said it, but it was true.

He took the children out to dinner.

When they pulled out of the driveway, and I knew no one would witness the spectacle, I turned off the lights and cried and prayed out loud to God and told him truthfully everything I was thinking and confessed my fears. I prayed for a while and then I read my Bible out loud. I read chapters in John, in the dark, with only the light of the fireplace to help me read.

After I read for a while, I started to feel peace. I got up and turned on the lights and played some hymns on the piano. I sang some of them, too.

Listen!

“Though sorrows befall us and Satan oppose, God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes, God leads His dear children along.
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.” From the hymn, “In Shady Green Pastures” by G.A. Young

and, this one:

Master, with anguish of spirit I bow in my grief today;
The depths of my sad heart are troubled; O waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish sweep o’er my sinking soul!
And I perish! I perish, dear Master; O hasten and take control!
The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, peace be still!
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea, or demons, or men, or whatever it be,
No water can swallow the ship where lies the Master of ocean and earth and skies;
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will; Peace, be still! Peace, be still!
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will; Peace, peace, be still! From the hymn, “Master the Tempest Is Raging” by Mary A. Baker, 1831-1921

God did put peace in my heart again. I am feeling peaceful right now. I felt like Rich and the kids were only gone for half an hour, I thought they had just gone to town. But, Rich said, “What are you talking about? We were gone for 2 hours.” That was the fastest 2 hours I had in a long time!

“I am the Lord thy God. . which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.” Isaiah 48:17

This is really personal and I just can’t put the comment feature on. (**edit below)

I wanted to share in case someone is feeling the same way today.

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**Joanna emailed me and told me to put the comment feature on so I will trust her and do it.

QUOTES and such

Posted on January 15, 2008 by Shanda

There is quite the show going on outside my windows. Our house is up on a hill and the land goes down from the house and then gently up so that all in front of us is the woodline. The sun is shining brightly and right now, as I type, all the snow that came the other night is dropping off the trees. I opened a window and leaned way out to try to hear it, but I couldn’t! I’m sure if I was there I could hear the soft drops of snow, but from the house all I could hear was the rushing of the stream. And the noice of the children. (Caleb is playing the piano and singing!) By the end of the day the snow will be gone from the trees and I’m sad about that. Thanks to all of you who enjoyed the snow pictures from my walk yesterday, reading your comments actually increased my own pleasure in it. Just another reminder of what pleasant words do!

This is a photo I took this morning, when the sun was coming up and starting to shine on the tops of the trees:

Caleb woke up and came downstairs at 6:25 this morning, it was still dark outside. Rich had left for work already. I sat down in the recliner as Caleb played and read from these books:

Here are some quotes from each one that stood out to me today.

In my Bible, I read John 1-3.

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ”

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world” ~John the Baptist

“He must increase, but I must decrease” ~John the Baptist

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In Streams I read these beautiful words:

“You must rest, O soul, to receive your heart’s desire. Slow the beating of your heart over concerns for your personal care. Place the storm of your individual troubles on God’s altar of everyday trials, and the same night, the Lord will appear to you. His rainbow will extend across the subsiding flood, and in your stillness you will hear the everlasting music.” George Matheson

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“Do you really desire the things for which you pray,

is your heart set upon them so that you say,

“I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me”?

~Daily Meditations for Prayer

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In the excellent book, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, I read:

“God expects that every day you should spend some time in blessing his name for what mercy he has granted to you. There is not one of you in the lowest condition but you have an abundance of mercies to bless God for, but discontentedness makes them nothing. The Spirit of God extenuates evils and crosses, and magnifies and amplifies all mercies; and makes all mercies seem to be great, and all afflictions seem to be little.” (this whole book really challenges me, I was convicted today about how when something goes wrong in my life, it seems to negate the amazing blessings that God has given me. I need to be careful to always count my blessings. Just like Joanna wisely emailed to me last week, when I sent her an S.O.S. to pray for my depressed state, “MAKE A LIST OF THINGS YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR.”)

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In Words to Live By, (which I found and bought it this weekend), I found this quote: (It reminded me of something I wrote in a blog entry last week, some of you may remember what I’m referring to)

“What a state we have got into when we can’t say ‘I’ll be happy when God calls me’ without being afraid one will be thought ‘morbid.’ After all, St. Paul said just the same. If we really believe what we say we believe–if we really think that home is elsewhere and that this life is a ‘wandering to find home,’ why should we not look forward to the arrival? There are, aren’t there, only three things we can do about death: to desire it, to fear it, or to ignore it. The third alternative, which is the one the modern world calls “healthy,” is surely the most uneasy and precarious of all.’ CS Lewis

(I do all three of those things sometimes, which I think is only natural, but the healthy, general way of the Christian should be to desire “going home”.)

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Well, if you read all this I will be amazed. But, thanks for letting me share what I read and meditated on this morning. “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14) and that is why I like to read a variety of books.

I also wanted to share some mischief that happened today at my house.

While Caleb was in the bathtub, David threw our cat Patches right in with him and Caleb got scratched! I could not believe that David did that! Patches is still grooming herself, trying to get dry. Caleb is fine. Poor boy.

Also, Caleb went up in the bathroom (this is why I gave him a bath) and poured the majority of a bottle of bubblebath all over one of his trains and the floor. (“This is what comes of watching too many Thomas episodes. Today on the show, Thomas was covered in “stinky cheese! I should be happy that Caleb settled on bubblebath!) While I was on my hands and knees washing it away, David came running in to tell me something and slipped and fell.

CRAZY!

Have a great day my friends!

Posted on January 14, 2008 by Shanda

“‘What’s up, Ratty?” asked the Mole.

‘Snow is up,’ replied the Rat briefly; ‘or rather, down. It’s snowing hard.’

The Mole came and crouched beside him, and looking, saw the wood that had been so dreadful to him in quite a changed aspect. Holes, hollows, pools, pitfalls, and other black menaces to the wayfarer were vanishing fast, and a gleaming carpet of faery was springing up everywhere, that looked too delicate to be trodden upon by rough feet. A fine powder filled the air and caressed the cheek with a tingle in it’s touch.” from, The Wind in the Willows

It was hard to know when to stop taking pictures this morning. I went right outside at 7:30am, because I’m a morning person and I was excited about the snow fall we had in the night. I went for a walk yesterday, too, and there was no snow except in the coldest parts, and today we have a big fluffy blanket of it. Quite a transformation overnight!

I had a good weekend. On Saturday I went to the bookstore, then to the mall, and then to lunch–all by myself–just to try to get my mind off of being sick and tired out. It did help a lot. On Sunday we got up and noticed that the VAN has another flat! After 4 brand new tires! Rich and I were shocked. The van will have to be picked up again today.

We went to church yesterday morning (in the truck) and it was wonderful to be back after missing quite a bit lately. After my walk, I rested and talked to a xanga friend on the phone (which was a happy surprise!) and then made molasses cookies (using my Grandma’s recipe) and brownies. Baked goods get gobbled up just like that in my house so I usually make a couple varieties of snacks since I have the oven on already.

I finally got a good night’s sleep last night and today I feel almost like my normal self! Hurray!

Here are the pictures from my walk:

A look back to the house, the pond is barely noticeable because of the snow cover.

This picture is blurry, but fun, because I caught some snow falling off the tree. . . .

I like how there are “magical” spots in the woods. . especially with heavy snow like this, these branches bent over and looked like arches. I saw a lot of dark, hidden places, as well. The branches of the pine trees get loaded with snow and if you stand under them, you can feel the temperature change and it’s like being under a nice solid roof, out of the falling snowflakes and wind. The chilly part is when the snow drops down on you, and down the back of your neck. That happened to me this morning and I was so surprised, I laughed.

Getting close to home.. . . .

Parker was beside himself with excitement to be outside. He was running around like his paws were aflame. He’s so dark that it’s hard to get a good picture of him. . .he looks like a shadow in the above pic, but this one is nice.

Ethan came outside just in time to take my picture. This is me with my morning face and hair. Snow fell on my head during my walk, so my hair is “nice” and flat. I’m holding E’s mittens behind me.

It is the perfect weather to be outside because after a week of mild temps, the ground is not frozen solid. The air is quite mild and I was nice and warm—if I didn’t have small children in the house I would have been out a lot longer. I would have liked to just sit and listen in the woods for a while. . . .the snow falls so gently. The quiet is so restful.

I was in areas of the woods that I k
now no one else will visit today. I love how God’s glory is everywhere in his creation, even if no one sees it, it’s there shining brightly. . . . it was a privilage to be in these special places today, there was almost a holy atmosphere. Sweet, quiet beauty.

Posted on January 11, 2008 by Shanda

Said the Robin to the Sparrow:
“I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.”

Said the Sparrow to the Robin:
“Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me.”

“Overheard in an Orchard”, Elizabeth Cheney

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? (next to nothing)
and one of them shall not fall on the ground
without your Father. But the very hairs
of your head are numbered. Fear ye not therefore,
ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:29-31

Oh thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Jesus’ words in Matthew 14:31

Hello, dear caring xanga friends! Thank you for your prayers this week! By the grace of God we got through it. Every day there was a new challenge and on most days tears were shed, but every day was also full of His blessings. Just full! I got happy mail in the mailbox, happy messages here on xanga, I had a nice talk w/Colleen, and my sister Amanda, and several with my friend Kathy. Kathy made me laugh when she combated my prayer to die with a passionate, “Don’t listen to her, God, she’s not herself!” (I don’t really want to die, but I would like to just be done with life now and then, you understand, I hope, I’m not really like that, just come and take me to GLORYLAND, that’s how I feel now and then). . . . .anyway, I’ve gotten dinner on the table every night, we did school this week, the kids are clean and taken care of. . .we’re warm, we’re snug, we’re safe, God is good, His grace is sufficient, His mercies are new each morning!

I’m still not feeling all that perky, my neck has been stiff, and I have aches and pains. But, I am definitely better than I was yesterday and the day before. . . keep those prayers coming and I will pray for you all, too. Oh, and I was reminded this morning that our journey with God is UPWARD. .even in these down times, when we feel like we are oh so low, we’re not! He’s always leading us UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isn’t that great?

Just think! God knows right now how many hairs are on your head!

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Okay, on to earthly things for a moment:

QUESTION—I want some good tea! Any suggestions on where to buy and what to buy? I’m open to online shopping, as well.

ALSO—I need a GOOD PENCIL SHARPENER. .one to mount on the wall that can “never” be lost and will “never” break. I hate every sharpener I’ve bought, the last one was electric from Target. We also tried a battery powered one. Any suggestions to a GOOD ONE that will last for years and not months? I have had so many frustrating moments as a homeschool mom, just because of pencils!

****I ordered the one our friend mother_of_encouragment suggested! yippee!****

Okay, I’m going to go get Caleb out of his high chair and get the older kids put to bed for reading time. Caleb already napped so I will have company during quiet time today. . . . .

Have a great afternoon and thanks for stopping by my site today!

photos from my little walk yesterday morning

Posted on January 10, 2008 by Shanda

I’m still not feeling well. I do hope that soon I will have more energy. The weather was so nice yesterday that I did go out and drink my coffee by the side of the stream.

Spent the majority of the rest of the day on the couch.

My spirits have been low, but I am leaning on Christ at this time (and all times), knowing that my body needs rest and time to heal from the stress and busyness of the holidays and being sick.

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. Is. 44:3

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. Is. 12:3

“Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of HIM, and he would have given thee living water.”

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in droughts, and make fat thy bones: and thou shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Is. 58:11

It’s been so warm that the ponds have water on top, I thought it was so pretty how the wind was making ripples in the water.

I thought the underside of this tree fungus so lovely–the design and the color–

some red in my pocket. . .to take back home with me

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Later on in the day, I tried out my new tripod:

“Oft I tell Him I am weary, and I fain would be at rest;

That I’m daily, hourly, longing to repose upon His breast;

And He answers me so kindly, in the tenderest tones of love,

I am coming soon to take thee to my happy home above.”

Posted on January 8, 2008 by Shanda

There are two seasonal diversions that can

ease the bite of winter.

One is the January thaw.

The other is the seed catalogues. Hal Borland

I am not looking at seed catalogues today. However, we are enjoying a thaw.

First of all, thank you all so much for caring about me! All that xanga soup/love sure warmed me up. I’m feeling somewhat better, but still very tired. When I’m done writing, I’m going to go lay on the couch. I did quite a bit this morning; school, dinner (beef stew in the crock pot), cleaning and laundry, and a trip outdoors. We all went out together for the first time in weeks.

Just getting them out the door was exhausting. David was flipping around on his head instead of looking for his other boot. . .Grace was shedding tears because the boys were already out and she had two more math problems to do. . .we had to convince Caleb that he really DID want to go out. . . .on and on.

Eventually the math was done, Caleb was out with big brothers, the boot was found and we all were ready.

The first thing the kids did was run and/or sled right down to the trampoline and take everything off that they just put on; jackets, boots, and socks! Caleb kept his shoes on, though. And, he kept hold of Henry the entire time that he bounced.

After watching them for a few minutes I went for a brief jaunt into the edge of the woods.

One of the things I admire in nature is the peeling bark of trees. Some caught my eye today and I went over to look closer. . I love the colors, the iridescence, the papery-ness. The kids know I love it, sometimes they come home with huge lengths of white birch for me.

“Go–spend hours and days reading his creation! Let your heart fill to the brim with wonder. Let your mouth praise the glory of our Creator!”

“The heavens and the earth are given to lift our hearts out of our selfish perspectives and raise them to heights of praise for what our Creator is.”

“Don’t let this world around you squeeze you into buildings or books. Buildings are good, books are good. There are times to be in both. But God created the heavens and the earth to be experienced. . .”

From a book I am reading out loud to Jacob, Boyhood and Beyond, by Bob Schultz

The sound of the stream was like music to my ears. Last night, when Rich came home, I just had to get outside for some fresh air. . and, even though it was dark out, I made my way down the edge of the woods and just stood and listened to the water for a while.

I also love wind chimes. I tie them up with bits of ribbon. Quite often in the midst of my busy days, I go outside for one reason or another (to get the mail, tie up the dog, fill up the feeder, etc) and I hear them and smile. It’s rewarding to hang up wind chimes. All mine are down away from the house, because I prefer to hear them from a distance.

After my walk, I watched the kids play some more. Caleb got too close to the edge of the pond and when Ethan pulled him away, his arm came out of his sleeve. Then, when he was walking to the house, he slipped and got his hands cold. . . . . . .I noticed his train was missing. . . . .

I asked him, “Where’s Henry?” and he said, “Right there!”

“Okay, you come with mamma and we’ll go get him and then go inside for some lunch. . . . .”

We held hands and walked off to find Henry together.

It’s a good thing I took him with me, because I don’t think I would have found him myself.

See what I mean?

I hope you all have a wonderful afternoon!

a hodge podge of photos

Posted on January 6, 2008 by Shanda

Well, would you believe I am sick? I don’t even know what I am doing on the computer.

Rich and I both started getting sick yesterday. It’s a cold only worse, because we feel completely exhausted, it’s almost like some kind of weird flu. I didn’t sleep well last night and we’ve been laying around all day. I guess we ARE RESTING . . . . .

Oh well, the kids have been fine all day and I managed to make some homemade chicken noodle soup, so I can’t complain.

I just had fun looking through some photos that I never put on my site. Thought you might like to see them, too.

Enjoy!

This is one that Jacob took of me this summer w/my little digital camera. . .I’m at my parent’s house.

And this one was taken a few months ago, at my parent’s house. Not the greatest photo, but I like it because I have my big camera with me, and my mom’s coat on, and I’m walking on the road I grew up on.

The kids and me, all ready to sing for Christmas at church:

This picture makes me laugh:

Rich reading to Caleb. . .another “foot picture” which I know at least one of you looks for!

Mischief-Maker, I still can’t figure out how he made such a mess with just 1/4 of a cup of flour!

David fishing this summer, with a stick and a piece of red yarn. He really truly believed it would work, that’s why I love the photo so much:

Something’s not right if your baby falls asleep before eating his cookie!

My mom giving Caleb a taste from the bowl:

Just hangin’ around (Caleb waiting for someone to come along and help him)

Me and my Sister in law, Melissa, and our 2 girls:

Rich and the gang, it makes me laugh now, but at the time I wasn’t pleased with how it turned out. Ethan looks like he’s seconds away from falling, but don’t worry, he didn’t fall. . . . .Jacob looks so NOT thrilled.

I’M SICCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK, tired, and cold.

so, good night! Time for warm pj’s and a trip back to the couch.

Posted on January 5, 2008 by Shanda

“My friend, if you think of your Christian

life in any shape or form with a

sense of grudge, or as a wearisome task or duty,

I tell you to go back to the beginning of your life,

retrace your steps to the wicket gate through which you passed.

Look at the world in its evil and sin,

look at the hell in which it was leading you,

and then look forward and realize that you are set

in the midst of the most glorious campaign

into which a man could ever enter,

and that you are on the most noblest road

that the world has ever known.”

~D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

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I came across the quote this morning (as I sat on the bathroom floor, reading, while Caleb had a bath) and it was like a breath of fresh air to me! I hope that you are blessed by it as well. I was saved when I was 6 years old, and I would love to read your testimony, it’s so encouraging to read how God works in lives. . . . . .

Today is Saturday, and like I mentioned last week, my goal for Saturday is to PREPARE the house and family for a God-glorifying Sunday. Some of you said you would pray for me in this endeavor and I do covet those prayers today! Thank you friends!

Much love, Shanda